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Software Development Engineer Backend Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Redlands, CA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Redlands, CA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Vienna, VA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

Esri

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Vienna, VA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. This team supports Defense and Intel ... of professional backend software engineering experience * Professional experience developing ...

ValueLabs, Inc.

Software Development Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Atlanta, GA / SFO, CA We are seeking a skilled and motivated Software Development Engineer (SDE) to ... Backend: Java, .NET, .NET Core, Spring Boot, Web API * Frontend: Angular, ReactJS, HTML5, CSS3 ...

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Software Development Engineer Backend information

See salary details

$60.5K

$147.7K

$199K

How much do software development engineer backend jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for software development engineer backend in the United States is $147,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software development engineer backend do?

A Software Development Engineer Backend is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications or software systems. They work on databases, APIs, and the logic that powers applications, ensuring high performance and scalability. These engineers collaborate closely with frontend developers and other team members to deliver robust, secure, and efficient solutions. Their role often involves troubleshooting, optimizing code, and implementing new features to meet user and business needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software development engineer backend, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer Backend, you need a strong command of programming languages such as Java, Python, or Node.js, and a solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with databases (SQL/NoSQL), RESTful APIs, version control systems like Git, and experience with cloud platforms or containerization tools is highly valued. Problem-solving ability, effective communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills that help you collaborate and tackle complex challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building robust, scalable, and maintainable backend systems that power modern applications.

What are some common challenges that software development engineer backend professionals face during cross-functional projects?

Backend engineers often work closely with frontend developers, product managers, and QA teams, which can present challenges related to clear communication and aligning technical requirements with business goals. Ensuring smooth integration between backend services and other system components, handling dependencies, and maintaining consistent API contracts are typical pain points. Proactively participating in planning sessions and code reviews, as well as documenting APIs thoroughly, helps mitigate these challenges and fosters more effective collaboration.

What is the difference between Software Development Engineer Backend vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware Development Engineer BackendSoftware Engineer
Primary FocusBackend system development, server-side logic, database integrationFull-stack development, including frontend and backend
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, C++, database management, API developmentFrontend frameworks, backend skills, UI/UX design
Work EnvironmentPrimarily backend teams, server infrastructure, cloud servicesCross-functional teams, both frontend and backend projects
Common UsageUsed in companies focusing on scalable backend systems and APIsUsed in roles requiring full-stack development or versatile software skills

While both roles involve software development, a Software Development Engineer Backend specializes in server-side logic, databases, and APIs, focusing on backend infrastructure. A Software Engineer may work across the full stack, including frontend and backend tasks. The choice depends on your interest in backend systems versus full-stack development.

More about Software Development Engineer Backend jobs

What job categories do people searching Software Development Engineer Backend jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Development Engineer Backend jobs are:

Software Development Engineer Backend jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer Backend job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,662 per year, or $71 per hour.

Software Development Engineer II- Back End

Esri

Vienna, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Overview

In this position, you will build software leveraging Esri's products and APIs to build core backend services that solve complex problems at a global scale. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skills while contributing to projects that matter. You'll work alongside engineers and mentors in a collaborative, cross-functional environment that values learning, innovation, and purpose. From building intuitive AI web interfaces to writing Python for geoprocessing tools and AI agents, you'll be exposed to the full development lifecycle and cutting-edge GIS solutions. 

This team supports Defense and Intel clients. You will be part of a talented cross-functional team of dynamic and passionate engineers to deliver capabilities that enable our customers to make a difference in communities around the world. You will be part of a team that influences lasting contributions for communities with the web and mobile applications you create.

The Professional Services division is the consulting and implementation arm of Esri. We break ground in new markets, push the technology envelope and ultimately deliver transformational solutions to high profile clients worldwide. The Professional Services organization is comprised of nearly 1,000 talented business and technical professionals who strive every day to help our users be successful.

Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Vienna, VA area for this position. 

Responsibilities

  • Build backend services that power geospatial processing, automation, and user-facing capabilities
  • Develop APIs, proxies, and integration services using Node.js and Python
  • Create and maintain backend tooling that extends ArcGIS Enterprise in containerized environments
  • Develop and maintain geoprocessing services, automation scripts, and operational workflows
  • Build connectors and ingestion pipelines across diverse enterprise data sources
  • Support deployments across cloud-native and on-prem environments
  • Improve reliability and performance through API design, testing, monitoring, and observability
  • Collaborate with platform, DevOps, and GIS teams to translate requirements into production solutions

Requirements

  • 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience
  • Professional experience developing backend services using Python, JavaScript/Node,js and Java
  • Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures
  • Experience extending or integrating with ArcGIS Enterprise or similar enterprise geospatial platforms
  • Familiarity with geoprocessing workflows, proxies and middleware services and automation of GIS or data processing tasks
  • Experience working in containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar)
  • Solid fundamentals in API design, software/system design, and testing and debugging distributed services
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
  • US citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years of active) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or STEM related field

Recommended Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or Stem related field
  • Esri certification
  • CompTIA Security + certification
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
  • Experience with monitoring, logging, and observability tools
  • Exposure to DevSecOps practices and secure development pipelines
  • Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise SDKs, automation frameworks, or platform extensions
  • Experience building services for geospatial analysis, data pipelines, or map services
  • Familiarity with enterprise authentication, proxies, and secure service architectures
  • Experience with relational and spatial databases (PostgreSQL,PostGIS, SQL Server, and more)
  • Exposure to event-driven architecture, batch processing, or distributed data workflows

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What Esri employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

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